Foraging for fungi is fun

Foraging for food is in back in fashion - but you need to be careful what you pick or your taste-buds and stomach are in for a shock!

Now wild food expert Patrick Harding, who has been studying fungi for over 30 years, is working to educate a new generation of natural food lovers – and the first lesson is to be cautious this autumn.

“There are so many cooking programmes on TV and so much interest in healthy eating that I’m seeing scores of people out and about foraging,” he said.

“But you really need to know what you are picking and that’s especially true for fungi. Just because something looks tasty does not mean it will be and in the worst case scenario you could end up in hospital - or worse.”

Patrick will be running Forestry Commission fungi workshops in Sherwood Pines Forest Park, near Clipstone, on 9th and 20th October. Events run between 11am and 3.30pm. The cost is £25 and booking is required on 01623 82244. It is suitable for adults and children over 12.